8 tips for designing a home’s entrance

The design of the entrance is sometimes the last thing on the minds of homeowners. However, this space sets the tone for the rest of the house and has the power to make a good first impression!

Not sure how to decorate and furnish this small and undefined room? Try these ideas!

1. The door: not to be neglected!

Consider painting it a dark color, like black or navy blue, for an instant sophisticated effect. This is also a good place to use a very bright, punchy color - one that you like, but would be afraid of on a full wall. A bright pink, a bright yellow or an emerald green...the possibilities are endless!

Don't neglect the handle either: like a jewel, it will brighten up the look of your door. For example, a noble old style wood door will be enhanced by a brass handle or a modern door with simple lines will be magnificent with an oversized black handle.

2. A floor that beautifies the room

Ideally, the entrance floor should be made of ceramic or quality vinyl. Easy to maintain, these floorings also have the advantage of being durable. Moreover, they will not deteriorate under the humidity caused by snow on boots! For an original effect, consider installing the ceramic tiles in the entrance and the wood planks in the next room, in a gradient effect. This installation requires a perfect mastery of the finish, but when it's done right, the result is stunning!

Thanks to its practicality, low cost and warmth, a carpet also has its place in this room. It will protect your floors while adding texture and style to the entrance.

3. Partitions: practical and beautiful

To visually and physically separate the space, there is nothing like partitions! Made of glass, wood slats or metal wires, they create a separating effect while preserving the light. This decorating tip will also help you delineate areas and make the room feel larger. And in a small entrance, it is not a refusal!

4. The importance of storage

To have a functional entrance hall, you must not neglect the storage! A closet is usually a must. However, some older homes don't have enough storage. To make up for this, be creative.

For example, a bench with built-in storage, a coat hook, hooks, etc. Adding a console-style table is especially great for storing baskets or ottomans underneath, but also for placing a bowl or container to hold your keys and other small everyday items.

The idea is to choose these accessories carefully to reflect their practicality, but also their aesthetic appeal.

5. A place to sit

Mainly in households that house children, elderly people or people with reduced mobility, a place to sit is a necessity to put on shoes. A bench, a footstool or even an armchair if space permits will look good. It is also the perfect place to put a beautiful, but uncomfortable chair (hello, Louis XVI transparent acrylic chair!), because you will be sitting there for a very short time.

6. The mirror, that essential!

It is inconceivable for many people not to have a mirror at the entrance. It's true that this is the last room you walk through before leaving the house, which allows you to take a final look at your outfit before leaving.

A full-length mirror is necessary to admire yourself from head to toe. If you don't have enough space, you can put a smaller one at eye level for your face. If your lobby has only one wall, you could put a large mirror on it and place a glass console table right in front of it. With this arrangement, you won't lose the handy "drop-off" space on the console.

7.  Window covering or not?

Generally, the entrance does not need a window covering, unless the quantity of windows or its positioning allows people outside to observe the comings and goings in the house. Which we don't want! In this case, there are transparent window tapes that will blur the view without interfering with the entry of light. Some homeowners also opt for discreet blinds that blend in with the rest of the decor. The important thing is not to overload this already cramped room.

8. A textured wall

Because of its small size, the entryway should be decorated in mostly light shades. To add life, you can splurge on a textured or colored wall covering, such as wallpaper, a ceramic wall or small white bricks. The effect is always successful!

Need some inspiration to decorate your entryway to match the rest of the house? Bring photos to a Déco Surfaces store and ask the experts for advice.